Green Tea
Camellia sinensis
绿茶
Pinyin: Lǜ Chá
Plant Family
Theaceae
Part Used
Leaf and bud
Origin
China, Japan, India
Safety Level
Safe
Overview
Green tea is made from the leaves of the tea plant, with minimal oxidation compared to black tea. It is one of the most consumed beverages worldwide and has been extensively studied for its health benefits.
Traditional Chinese Medicine Properties
Nature (四气)
cool
Flavors (五味)
bitter, sweet
Meridians (归经)
heart, stomach, bladder
Health Benefits
Traditional Uses
- Mental clarity and alertness
- Digestive aid
- Headache and body ache relief
- Promotes longevity
Active Constituents
The key compounds responsible for this herb's therapeutic effects:
Usage & Dosage
How to Use
Brewed as tea, matcha powder, capsules, extract. Most commonly consumed as a beverage. Matcha is the highest grade of green tea (stone-ground whole leaf powder).
Suggested Dosage
Tea: 2-3 cups daily. Extract: 200-500mg standardized extract. Matcha: 1-2 tsp daily.
Quality & Storage
Harvest Season
Spring is the highest quality (first flush). Harvested multiple times per year.
Quality Indicators
Green to dark green color with fresh grassy aroma. Matcha should be bright green and very fine powder. Higher grade = more buds, younger leaves. Japanese matcha and Chinese Dragon Well are premium examples.
Storage
Airtight container, cool dark place, away from light, air, and moisture. Best within 6 months to 1 year for freshness.
Safety Information
Contraindications
Caffeine sensitivityAnxiety disordersInsomniaIron deficiency (tannins reduce absorption)Kidney stones (oxalates in large amounts)Pregnancy (limit to 1-2 cups daily due to caffeine)
Possible Side Effects
- Generally safe in moderation (3-4 cups daily)
- Jitteriness and anxiety (from caffeine)
- Insomnia (if consumed late in day)
- Digestive upset (strong brews)
- Headaches (caffeine withdrawal)
- Reduced iron absorption
Drug Interactions
- Stimulants (additive caffeine effect)
- Antibiotics (quinolones - may increase caffeine levels)
- Blood thinners (vitamin K and catechin interactions)
- Antidepressants (MAOIs)
- Asthma medications (theophylline)
Note: Always consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before starting any herbal supplement, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, have medical conditions, or take medications.
References & Research
Information on this page is based on traditional herbal knowledge and modern scientific research. For a comprehensive list of references, please refer to our full citations page.
ℹ️ Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The FDA has not evaluated these statements. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal supplements.
Related Herbs
Matcha Green Tea
Camellia sinensis
Matcha is the highest grade of green tea, made by stone-grinding shade-grown tea leaves into a fine powder. Because you consume the whole leaf, you get more antioxidants than brewed green tea.
Garcinia Cambogia
Garcinia gummi-gutta
Garcinia cambogia is a small, pumpkin-shaped tropical fruit. The rind contains hydroxycitric acid (HCA), which became popular as a weight loss supplement after being featured on television. However, its effectiveness remains controversial and research is mixed.
Yerba Mate
Ilex paraguariensis
Yerba mate is a traditional South American drink made from the leaves and twigs of the mate tree, which is related to holly. It is consumed from a hollowed-out gourd (mate) with a metal straw (bombilla). Mate has been called the "drink of the gods" by the Guarani people and is deeply embedded in South American culture.
Forskolin (Coleus)
Coleus forskohlii
Forskolin is a compound extracted from the root of the Coleus forskohlii plant, a member of the mint family native to India. It has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. Forskolin gained popularity as a weight loss supplement after being featured on the Dr. Oz show. Its primary mechanism is activating the enzyme adenylate cyclase, which increases cAMP levels.